Photo by Cory Wyman ’16 |  Frederick Erlandson ’15 reaches for the ball as the varsity Basketball team practices after school Nov. 6.

Returning players have been practicing, lifting weights since the start of the school year

By Chase Bayless ’15
THE ROUNDUP

With the 2014-15 season on the horizon, the Brophy basketball team is looking for a return to the state playoffs after just missing the cut last year.

In order to do that, head coach Mr. Tony Fuller said the team is focusing on developing chemistry.

“We have to improve in all areas,” he said. “And I think primarily having a group that’s cohesive and plays together as a team. I think that is the essential thing for us.”

Although official tryouts are not until Nov. 3, returning players of all levels have been practicing and lifting weights during every seventh period since the start of the school year.

“A lot of it has been conditioning so far, but as we get closer to the season we are starting to put more basketball stuff in,” said senior forward Michael Kempton ’15.

The team’s first game is Nov. 24 versus Tolleson at the Sunnyslope Hoopsgiving Tournament. Other marquee match ups include away at Mountain View and at home versus rival Chaparral.

“Toughest schedule in the state, as it is every year for us. But that’s a good thing,” Mr. Fuller said. “I think anytime you play a tough schedule it gets you prepared for, hopefully, postseason, and it challenges you,” he said.

Returning players who saw significant playing time last year are all now upperclassmen.

Junior Bo Brunkhorst ’16 along with seniors Mason Zwillinger ’15 and Matt Stark ’15 lead the backcourt. While the forwards are Kempton, Freddie Erlandson ’15 and Danny Rolander ’15.

“I think that the attitudes of our seniors and upperclassmen this year is very positive,” Mr. Fuller said.

Just like any other team it’s No. 1 goal is to win the state championship; however, the team is looking at more than just that.

“(Coach) Fuller actually talked about this the other day,” Kempton said. “He said that even harder than winning a state championship is everyday bringing your best and holding each other accountable.”